Faculty and Staff

I’ve been at the Co-op School since 2016. I was born and raised in Chelsea, Manhattan. I have my Bachelor’s degree in social work and will be going back next spring to receive my Master’s degree in early childhood education. I enjoy reading and writing, and most of all I love spending time with my wonderful daughter.

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. I have a passion and joy for working with children.In the past years,I have worked with students that were in pre-k and kindergarten. In these experiences, I have gained an appreciation for the various ways that children learn and their unique ways of expressing their knowledge. In my spare time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, reading, and spending time with family.

I hail from Sacramento and the East Bay, and while I will always call California home, I have been a proud resident of Queens since 2020. After years of child-centered community event organizing and nannying in my hometown, I decided to formally study child development. I completed my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Disability Studies from the City College of New York in 2023 and am excited beyond measure to be where I feel I most belong, amongst the little people and their passionately dedicated grown-up guides. When I am not directly immersed in the world of ECE, I love relishing in the privilege of living in this extraordinary city by going to museums, off-Broadway plays, films, restaurants, and parks.

I was born in Queens and currently live in Bedford-Stuyvesant with my wife, my two sons, Oliver and Finn, and three cats named Lily, Loki, and Mogwai. I have been teaching at The Co-op School since 2010. I studied secondary education/English at City University of New York–Queens College, and in 2019 I received my Master’s of Education. I love to skateboard, run in Prospect Park, take long road trips, eat outside, do woodwork, and spend time with my family. I play several instruments, including guitar, which I play regularly in the classroom!

I moved to New York twenty three years ago from Northern California after finishing a Bachelors in Dramatic Art- Dance from the University of California, Berkeley. I spent eight years pursuing a career in modern dance performing and touring. After retiring from performing I loved working as a teaching artist in public elementary schools and enjoyed teaching Music and Movement to preschoolers in my neighborhood of Sunnyside, Queens. While raising my three children, I earned my Masters from Hunters College in Early Childhood Education. I have eight years of experience teaching in independent schools on Long Island including teaching outdoors and directing an early childhood camp on Long Island’s North Fork. I am passionate about supporting, nurturing and appreciating children as they learn, develop and grow.I am deeply committed to progressive education and hands-on, project-based learning. I am excited to join the Coop School and am thrilled to be teaching in Brooklyn!

I was born and raised in Queens, New York. I have been with The Co-op School for over five years, where I’ve taught in the classroom and at the summer camp. I recently graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor’s degree in English. I plan to start my Master’s degree in early childhood education at Brooklyn College next year. I am passionate about decolonizing education and making school a liberatory experience for students by centering BIPOC voices and celebrating each and every student’s unique self, family, and history.

Hi, I’m Caroline! Born and raised in New York, I currently live in Brooklyn and am pursuing my Master’s in Early Childhood and Special Education. With a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Hunter College, I’ve always been passionate about working with children, and I’m thrilled to be doing what I love every day.

I adore my two cats, Iris, a playful tabby, and Huckleberry, a charming tuxedo munchkin. When I’m not teaching, you can find me crocheting, traveling, or indulging in my love for writing and tutoring. I’m deeply committed to supporting and nurturing young minds, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a profession that brings so much joy and fulfillment.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico before moving to Philadelphia at the age of 12. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and Film from The New School. After graduating, I became a nanny and that led me to discover the joy of teaching! I have been teaching at The Co-op School for more than seven years. Every year, I hope to bring joy and laughter to the kids and lots of dance parties!

I have three years of experience working with children at Shire Village Camp, a sleep-away camp in the Berkshires. When I am not at school, you can find me playing piano, mandolin, or accordion, or exploring Brooklyn on my longboard!

Being an assistant teacher is what I feel strongly I am meant to do! Each year, I look forward to getting to know my students; helping them learn and grow in a new environment, gain independence and confidence, build friendships, develop in a new social environment, and learn new things! I have a 10-year-old daughter, Olivia, and have lived in Brooklyn for 12 years. I love museums, art, reading, music, movies, theater, and karaoke!

My name is Eliot Adams. I come from a diverse family background, born and raised in Brooklyn. I recently just moved to Crown Heights. I attended Dean college where I received my bachelor’s degree. During my free time I love coaching and playing sports. I also enjoy hanging out with my dog and letting her run wild at the park. Look forward to an exciting school year!

I grew up in Brooklyn with my four sisters and one brother, who I enjoy hanging out with. As a teacher, I value my responsibility to help promote joy in learning with the children in my classroom and very much enjoy collaborating with other teachers, who share that vision. I enjoy challenging myself to do new things in my spare time—whether it is trying new foods or a new place.

I was born and raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. As a proud mother of three, I have found immense joy and fulfillment in nurturing and guiding my children, Mathew (30) and twins Layla and Kayla (19).

From a young age, I knew that my true calling was to become a teacher. With over a decade of experience working with children, I have honed my skills and developed a deep understanding of their unique needs and abilities. Previously serving as the Director of Afterschool for Williamsburg Northside, I have had the privilege of working with students ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade.

In the summer of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to work at the CO-OP school, an experience that brought me immense joy and fulfillment. It was a truly rewarding experience, and I am excited to continue creating joyful and enriching learning experiences for both you and your children.

I am passionate about fostering a love for learning and creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. I believe in the power of education to shape young minds and empower them to reach their full potential. With each new day, I eagerly look forward to embarking on this journey of growth and learning alongside you and your children.

I was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, where I grew up wanting to be an art teacher someday. I now find myself holding my BFA in Photography, living in Flatbush with my partner and our two cats, and indeed having worked as an art teacher before joining The Co-op School! While I continue to practice photography and printmaking in my free time, I’ve loved stepping into the role of educator these past few years – first as a teaching artist in K-8 afterschool and summer programs, and now as a support teacher here at the Co-op. I hope to continue passing along my enthusiasm for reading, practicing self-care, and of course artmaking to the students I get to see every day!

My name is Nelsy Sainthilaire, and I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I have over 10 years of experience working with children. Through my experience, I have learned that children teach us the importance of staying present in the moment and never forgetting our inner child. I am deeply passionate about creating a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for both children and their families.

Outside of the school environment, I advocate for women as a Full Circle Traditional Doula, assist individuals on their healing journeys as a Reiki Practitioner, and guide people through their spiritual journeys as an Intuitive Card Reader. I also cherish spending quality time with my beautiful daughter and family. I am thrilled to be a part of the Co-op school and look forward to embarking on this journey with the Co-op team.

My name is Layla Muhammad. I love to read, write, sing, and play the guitar and ukulele. I am the oldest of six children, and I have always taken care of my younger siblings since they were born. I also babysit on the side, including some children from the Co-op School! I am currently majoring in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Special Education at Brooklyn College.

During the school year, I work as a Support Teacher for the entire Preschool Division, where I work with children ages 2-5. I have so much fun every single day with these wonderful kids, and I learn something new each day. I enjoy discovering each child’s personality and understanding what makes them special in their own unique way. Every day is a magical experience, especially at The Co-op School!

As a young adult, I aspired to be an artist. Needing to pay the bills, I had the opportunity to work with children as a preschool assistant teacher. To my surprise, I discovered a greater joy and creativity in education than I did in the hours spent toiling alone in a dusty studio. Fast forward, a decade later, I received my Master’s degree in childhood education from Bank Street College and moved on up to working with the big kids in elementary school. I love to foster a love of learning and a positive sense of self with the children that I work with. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy riding my bike, playing sports, exploring nature, and hanging out in Prospect Park. I may even bring out the watercolors every now and then.

I grew up in New Jersey, attended Columbia University, and moved to Brooklyn in 2009 after graduation—and I’m never leaving! I received my Master’s degree in early childhood and childhood general education from Bank Street College in 2019. I worked as an Associate Teacher at City and Country, first with four-year-olds, and then two years in first grade. I believe that learning should be fun, immersive, meaningful, and should help students understand their own identities, as well as those of others, to help them navigate the world in the future. I spend most of my free time cooking, trying to learn the ukulele, singing nonsense songs to my three cats, and binge-watching good TV with my husband.

I grew up on the West Coast, however, I have made my home here in Brooklyn. It is with devotion to progressive pedagogy and experience working in New York City independent schools that I’ve come to teach at The Co-op School. Through the years, I’ve worked with children in grades two to six as a classroom teacher and math/science specialist. I believe new knowledge is built on prior experience, meaningful learning occurs when working with authentic problems, quality work requires high standards, and diversity among learners must be celebrated. I have a Master’s degree in education from Bank Street College, alongside a Bachelor’s degree in environmental science and mathematics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. The outdoors, basketball, jokes, games, and the people in my life bring me great joy.

I am from White Plains, New York. I like to read, watch television, and hang out in Central Park. I have an undergraduate degree in political science and a Master’s degree in elementary education from the Bank Street College of Education. In summers, I spend a bunch of time outside hiking, reading, and relaxing.

 I was raised in Brooklyn,  N.Y. , born in Guyana, South America. My passion is teaching and working with children, helping them to reach their highest potentials, no matter their challenges.  I have spent my life advocating for parents and community rights. I advocate for community control of schools.  I believe in accountable teachers, accountable parents and accountable students.. I conduct activities to increase parent and community awareness about our  schools.   I hold a BA with a concentration in  Psychology from The College of New Rochelle.  I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy  at Northcentral University.

I am so excited to join the Co-Op team this fall! I see myself as a lifelong student, educator, and musician, and I am excited to bring these different parts of myself to the Kindergarten classroom. After studying music at Hamilton college, my lifelong passion for education (thank you for inspiring me, mom and dad!) led me to childcare and teaching. From giving private violin lessons, to nannying, to leading a first grade classroom —these experiences have shaped my identity and my pedagogy in the most profound and beautiful ways. I look forward to meeting this year’s kindergarteners with warmth and curiosity, and I look forward to working with Adina to cultivate a joyful and equitable classroom community.

In my free time, I love to explore my Bay Ridge neighborhood with my partner, Marina, and our husky, Jason. I enjoy curling up with a good book and my cat, Cicero. I love cooking with double the recommended amount of garlic, singing in a community choir, and playing guitar or fiddle with my friends.

I was born and raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and moved to New York state to study at Vassar College. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Education in May 2022. I have since taught Pre-K and am ecstatic about making the jump to Kindergarten and joining the Co-Op School community. My background in project-based learning and Quaker philosophy influence my practice as an educator. In my spare time, I enjoy arts and crafts projects, seeing theater, taking care of my plants, and spending time in any Brooklyn park!

My name is Paloma Blandon. I grew up in Hong Kong and Connecticut. After studying Public Policy at the University of Chicago, I moved to New York and began teaching in 2021. I hold a masters in teaching from Relay Graduate School. I am dedicated to fostering a love of math in students through positive relationships and an engaging classroom. In my spare time I love to crochet, hike, and travel. I am so excited to be joining the Co-Op community!

I was born and raised in beautiful downtown Brooklyn.  I am both a product of New York City public education as well as a Brooklyn Friends School alum.   I have a Bachelor’s degree in Science & Technology from Eugene Lang College at the New School.  I also hold a Masters of Fine Arts In Music from Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema at Brooklyn College.  I have worked as an educator-teaching and supporting young learners for over a decade all across New York City. I am thrilled to be part of the CO-op Community-a place where young people flourish through joyful exploration and play, critical thought and gumption.

I’m a native Arkansan who’s found home in North Carolina, Minnesota, Brazil, Spain, China, and now Brooklyn. After getting my BA in Latin American Studies at Macalester College, I’ve taught theater, ESL, Spanish, and Portuguese to students of all ages for community centers, theaters, colleges, orphanages, language schools, Quaker schools, Waldorf schools, Andalusian public schools – even a Chinese car company! I also run a theater company that puts on plays in public spaces across the city and am a teaching artist for another company where all of the performers have intellectual or developmental disabilities. In my free time (ha!), I love going to concerts, reading, dancing, seeing shows, and bouncing around the world.

I was born and raised in a very rural part of Connecticut. I went to both college and graduate school in Connecticut, where I developed a love of chemistry and teaching. In 2005, I moved to New York City and currently reside in Brooklyn with my partner and two cats. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, taking long walks, and eating ice cream.

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Sacramento. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s in English literature. While in college, I began a career as a professional musician. I enjoyed a busy time in the music business writing, recording, and performing on tour around the US and Europe. I moved to New York City and began working as a session singer. I became a mentor for tween and teen girls in the Lower East Side. I loved the work and especially the collaboration with the public schools in Alphabet City. I decided to formalize my work with children and entered NYU Steinhardt. I graduated with a dual master’s in special education and general education for grades 1-6.

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area to parents who had immigrated to California from El Salvador. I attended San Francisco State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts. in arts education, then moved to Brooklyn in 2004. After almost eight years of teaching high school art and design, I entered New York University Steinhardt School and earned a Master of Arts in arts education. I have exhibited my artwork and painted murals nationally and internationally and I continue to practice my art in Brooklyn, where I live with my wife, Adia, and our two beautiful children (currently at The Co-op School!)

I was born in Québec and lived in Montreal for many years, where I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in translation before moving to New York City 16 years ago. I then worked as a french translator and a cultural consultant until my volunteering work inspired me to become a teacher in French immersion schools four years ago. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in childhood education at Hunter College and am thrilled to guide our first graders through their joyful investigations and explorations. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking (mostly because eating is my favorite activity!), reading, going on hikes with my family, practicing tae kwon do and teaching my children French.

I’m originally from Minneapolis but spent much of my childhood in Vancouver, British Columbia. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in history at Duke University and worked in book publishing before then earning a Master’s degree in childhood education at Bank Street College of Education. I have taught First and Second Grades in Manhattan and New Jersey, and most recently worked in Literacy Intervention at the Brooklyn New School. I live in Clinton Hill with my husband, two daughters, and our Havanese dog. I love that my role as Literacy Specialist at The Co-op School combines the joys of working with children and teachers with my lifelong love of reading!

I am a New York native and grew up on Long Island. I have a Bachelor’s degree in childhood education from Oneonta State College and a Master’s degree in special education from Hofstra University. My journey at The Co-op School began in 2013, when I started working with preschool students as a SEIT. My love for the community was instant—so much so that I moved to Brooklyn from Long Beach. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, exploring local neighborhoods, and trying new restaurants. I am so proud to be part of the Co-op community!

I am a Bank Street graduate coming from P.S. 235, where I worked as a classroom teacher, math teacher, math staff developer and coach, and, finally, as an assistant principal for the last 30 years!

I’ve lived in Brooklyn for the last 16 years but I was born in California, lived in Connecticut and Singapore, and went to college in upstate New York at Hobart and William Smith Colleges where I earned a BA in English. Before becoming a teacher I worked in photography and television for shows like Iron Chef and Martha Stewart, but after volunteering with BuildOn- a non-profit organization that helps to build schools around the world- I switched careers, got my Masters degree from Fordham University, and never looked back. Now I’ve been teaching for over a decade and feel like The Co-op School has become my second home. My most important role though is that of father- I have a beautiful daughter starting kindergarten this year!

I am a native New Yorker from Queens who always had a passion for education. Prior to joining The Co-op School, I worked in various realms of Education and found my niche as a counselor . In 2018 I earned my Masters degree at New York University for School Counseling. When I’m not Counseling , I enjoy reading/writing, kick-boxing, cooking and traveling . This year I look forward to optimizing the experience of education for all students, as well as helping create great citizens of our community.